Libraries and archives

Libraries and archives play a central role in preserving, organising, and making information accessible to the public, researchers, and organisations. This sector covers a wide range of settings, from schools, colleges, public libraries to specialist archives in universities, museums, businesses, and government departments. Careers in this area often combine a love of learning and information with strong organisational, communication, and customer service skills.

Explore job roles

Work in libraries and archives can include supporting users to access information, cataloguing and managing collections, developing digital resources, or conserving rare and historical materials. Increasingly, professionals in this sector are also involved in digital transformation projects, working with online databases, digitisation, and digital preservation.

While some roles are open to graduates from any discipline, professional posts often require a postgraduate qualification accredited by CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals).

Use the job profiles below to find out about, skills, entry routes and experience

Some roles below may require additional training or postgraduate study upon entry. Do check the links below carefully to assess if you will need to take any additional steps.

Tip: Use the information about skills in the profiles to help you build a tailored CV.

Building skills and experience

  • Assistant or trainee roles are available in both libraries and archives, which can be good first step and, in most cases do not require postgraduate study.
  • Library/Archivist roles are placing increasing importance on digital skills with the use of digital collections, metadata, databases, and preservation technologies. Explore opportunities to develop your digital skills during your studies through work experience or online training.
  • Transferable skills such as research, organisation and IT skills are highly valued, so experience from other fields (retail, administration, education, heritage) can be highly relevant when applying from Library/Archivist roles.

Gain relevant experience and skills while you study

Finding and applying for jobs

  • Some Librarian/Archivist roles require may require postgraduate course (Library & Information Studies, or Archives & Records Management). Some may require a CILIP-accredited qualification, it is important to check the job descriptions of advertised roles to understand their requirements.
  • Entry can be competitive, particularly in archives, where posts are limited and often concentrated in universities, museums, or large institutions.
  • There is a growth in digital preservation, open access publishing, and research data management, creating new roles.

Find vacancies

Further resources

Next steps

When planning your next steps you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail: